HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2025-08-12Informal discussion among Trustees and staff concerning agenda items or other Town
matters may occur before this meeting at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Town Board of Trustees Study Session
August 12, 2025 from 4:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Town Hall Board Room, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park
Accessibility Statement
The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing equitable access to our services.
Contact us if you need any assistance accessing material at 970-577-4777 or
townclerk@estes.org.
Meeting Participation
This meeting will be streamed live & available on the Town YouTube page. Click on the
following links for more information on Digital Accessibility, Meeting Translations.
Public comment
Public comments are not typically heard at Study Sessions, but may be allowed by the
Mayor with agreement of a majority of the Board.
Agenda
4:15 p.m. Vehicle or Motorcycle Parking Limitations Code
Amendment
4:45 p.m. Break for Dinner
5:00 p.m. Development Code Update
6:30 p.m. Trustee and Administrator Comments and Questions
6:40 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items
6:45 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting
The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing equitable access to our services. Contact us
if you need any assistance accessing material at 970-577-4777 or townclerk@estes.org.
Report
To: Honorable Mayor Hall & Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Kara Washam, Planner II
Department: Community Development
Date: August 12, 2025
Subject: Vehicle/Motorcycle Parking Limitations Code Amendment
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Consider amending the Estes Park Development code to increase or eliminate the
permitted number of operational vehicles stored on private property or add a separate
allowance for motorcycles, as distinguished from four-wheeled motor vehicles.
Town Board Direction Requested:
Staff requests guidance from the Town Board of Trustees regarding the allocation of
resources for further research into this matter, specifically concerning its potential
presentation as an action item for a Code Text Amendment.
Present Situation:
Section 5.2.B.2.e.(6) of the Estes Park Development Code (EPDC) currently permits the
parking or storage of up to four (4) vehicles on single-family or two-family residential lots
of two (2) acres or less. This provision excludes vehicles stored within a fully enclosed
garage and recreational vehicles. The EPDC does not provide a definition or distinction
between a motorcycle and a vehicle. However, the Colorado General Assembly defines
a motorcycle as:
“a motor vehicle that uses handlebars or any other device connected to the front
wheel to steer, a seat the rider sits astride, and is designed to travel on no more
than three wheels…”
The Town of Estes Park appears to be an outlier in its regulation of vehicle parking on
private property. Numerous comparable municipalities, as well as Larimer County, do
not impose a maximum on licensed and operational vehicles, but rather regulate the
storage of inoperable or junk vehicles.
Proposal:
Staff is seeking Town Board's guidance on whether to dedicate additional time and
resources to further research this matter. This process would involve a comprehensive
analysis of potential benefits and impacts. If the Board approves this direction, staff will
then present a detailed proposal for a Code Text Amendment, including draft
regulations that outline specific changes, for the Board's consideration and potential
action.
Advantages:
Amending the Estes Park Development Code to increase or eliminate the permitted
number of operational vehicles stored on private property would closer align the Town
with comparable communities in Colorado.
Disadvantages:
Amending this code provision now, outside the broader development code update,
could result in missed opportunities for thorough community deliberation. This approach
could lead to unintended consequences, inconsistencies, and overlooked perspectives.
Waiting for the development code update ensures a holistic, publicly informed review,
aligning changes with the community's long-term vision.
Finance/Resource Impact:
N/A
Level of Public Interest:
Low interest, item initiated by contact from the public.
Attachments:
1. Section 5.2.B.2.e.(6) of the Estes Park Development Code (EDPC).
Page 1 of 1
§5.2 ACCESSORY USES (INCLUDING HOME OCCUPATIONS) AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
A.…
B.Accessory Uses/Structures Permitted in the Residential Zoning Districts.
1.…
2.Additional Requirements for Specific Accessory Uses/Structures Permitted in the Residential Zoning
Districts.
a.…
b.…
c.…
d.…
e.Storage or Parking of Vehicles, Recreational Equipment and Recreational Vehicles.
(1)…
(2)…
(3)…
(4)…
(5)…
(6)Limit on Number of Parked or Stored Vehicles, Not Including Recreational Equipment and
Recreational Vehicles, on a Lot.
(a)This Section applies to all vehicles that are not parked or stored in a fully
enclosed garage.
(b)As Accessory to Single-Family and Two-Family Principal Uses. No more than a
total of four (4) vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot of two (2) acres or
less. No more than a total of five (5) vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot
greater than two (2) acres in size, but less than five (5) acres. No more than a
total of six (6) vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot equal to, or greater
than five (5) acres, but less than ten (10) acres. No more than a total of eight (8)
vehicles shall be parked or stored on a lot equal to, or greater than ten (10)
Created: 2025-07-08 15:01:52 [EST]
(Supp. No. 23, Update 3)
Attachment 1
Community Development
1069 Moan St.
Town Board Study Session
August 12, 2025
Vehicle/Motorcycle Parking Limitations
Code Amendment
Presented by Kara Washam, Planner II
Purpose of Study Session
•Consider amending the Estes Park
Development code to increase or eliminate the
permitted number of operational vehicles
stored on private property or add a separate
allowance for motorcycles, as distinguished
from four-wheeled motor vehicles.
Present Situation
•Section 5.2.B.2.e.(6) of the EPDC currently
permits the parking or storage of up to 4 vehicles
on single-family or two-family lots < 2 acres.
•Estes Park appears to be an outlier in its
regulation of vehicle parking on private property.
•Most comparable municipalities do not impose a maximum
on licensed and operational vehicles.
•Larimer County
•Breckenridge
•Steamboat Springs
•Loveland
•Longmont
•Fort Collins
Current EPDC Regulations
Proposal
•Staff is seeking Town Board's guidance on
whether to dedicate additional time and
resources to further research this matter.
•Process will involve a comprehensive analysis of potential
benefits and impacts.
•If the Board approves this direction, staff will then
present a detailed proposal for a Code Text
Amendment, including draft regulations that
outline specific changes.
Advantages & Disadvantages
•Advantages:
•Amending the number of permitted vehicles stored on private
property would closer align the Town with comparable
communities in Colorado.
•Disadvantages:
•Amending now could result in missed opportunities for
thorough community deliberation.
•Could lead to unintended consequences, inconsistencies,
and overlooked perspectives.
•Waiting for the code update ensures a holistic, publicly
informed review.
Direction Requested
•Staff requests guidance from the Town Board
of Trustees regarding the allocation of
resources for further research into Vehicle
and/or Motorcycle Parking Limitations,
specifically concerning its potential
presentation as an action item for a Code Text
Amendment.
The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing equitable access to our services. Contact us
if you need any assistance accessing material at 970-577-4777 or townclerk@estes.org.
Report
To: Honorable Mayor Hall & Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Steve Careccia, Director
Department: Community Development
Date: August 12, 2025
Subject: Development Code Update Status Report and Priority Area Discussion
Purpose of Study Session Item:
Design Workshop, the consultant working on the Development Code update, will
provide the Town Board with a current status report and seek direction on priority areas
within the Code identified for updating. Presenting will be Eric Krohngold, Senior
Associate, with Design Workshop and Philip Supino, Land Use Code Specialist, with
Headwaters Community Planning (subconsultant to Design Workshop).
Town Board Direction Requested:
Provide direction on areas within the Code identified for updating.
Present Situation:
The Development Code update kicked off in February of this year. Since then, work has
progressed on the public engagement plan, with the first community open house held
on June 25, a community-wide survey issued on July 15, and five dialogues conducted
by the Community Conversations team, with 74 total participants. The Design Workshop
team has also completed a preliminary review of the Development Code and provided
an initial assessment of topic areas to address (Attachment 1). This study session will
explore those areas in more detail.
Proposal:
The Development Code update will progress over the next several months in
accordance with the project schedule provided in the attached presentation (Attachment
2).
Advantages:
Some advantages of a new Development Code include:
• A more search- and user-friendly document;
• Modernization and incorporation of current best practices;
• Increased efficiency in the development review process;
• Incorporation of newer development concepts and standards;
• Improved aesthetics; and,
• Implementation and alignment with the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan.
Disadvantages:
No disadvantages are anticipated other than the budgetary costs associated with
securing the assistance of a professional consultant and requirement of significant staff
time (both of which have been accounted for in the planning of this project).
Finance/Resource Impact:
There are no financial impacts at this time. Financial impacts have been accounted for
with this year's budget.
Level of Public Interest:
Public interest has been and will continue to be high.
Attachments:
1. Existing Code Analysis Memo, May 5, 2025
2. Presentation
3. Community Conversations Update Memo
Page 1
MEMORANDUM
To: Town of Estes Park
From: Design Workshop, Headwaters Community Planning
Date: May 5, 2025
Project Name: Estes Park Development Code Update
Project #: 8223
Subject: Existing Code Analysis Memo
This memorandum is the first step in the Development Code update process. It is intended to provide a
high-level review of the existing Development Code, identify priority topics that are important to the
community and stakeholders for inclusion in the code update, and communicate opportunities for code
improvement. Additionally, the memo includes details on the 2022 Comprehensive Plan and how the plan’s
recommendations can be woven into the Development Code. Direction and recommendation in this memo
will be used to inform future code amendments.
Introduction
Project Overview and Purpose
In 2022, the Town of Estes Park, with extensive community participation, adopted a new Comprehensive
Plan - the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan. Updating the Development Code allows the Town to reflect
the goals and vision articulated by the community in land use planning and policy. It also provides an
opportunity to make the Development Code easier to interpret, reducing challenges for code users, staff,
and elected officials.
The Development Code Update is intended to make the document more user-friendly, remove or update
antiquated requirements and standards, ensure existing zoning districts are consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, increase efficiency in the development review process, incorporate context-sensitive
development concepts, maintain and improve community aesthetics, and align with the community-driven
Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan.
The Development Code update is supported by a robust community engagement process that includes
public open houses, focus groups, direction from elected officials, and support from the Community
Conversations1 group, a local organization focused on facilitating community dialog. Feedback from
community engagement will be used to inform updates to the Development Code, ground
recommendations in community input, and provide elected officials with timely information to support their
adoption of an updated Development Code.
1 Community Conversations is a partnership of the Estes Valley Library and Estes Valley Restorative Justice
Partnership, focused on building local capacity to engage with difficult issues, through use of deliberative, inclusive
engagement processes.
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Urban Design
Strategic Services
Environmental Graphic Design
22860 Two Rivers Road, Suite 102
Basalt, Colorado 81621
970.925.8354
designworkshop.com
Attachment 1
Page 2
Design Workship and Headwaters Community Planning (HCP) have completed a review of the current
Development Code for Estes Park. Design Workship and HCP sought input from the project’s Technical
Advisory Committee (TAC), Planning Commission, Planning Staff, and the Town Board of Trustees. Our
analysis of the Development Code and conversations with boards, staff, and stakeholders have informed
ways in which the development code should be updated and priority topics and processes that should be
included in the code update. This memorandum is a preliminary outline of intended code revisions to date
and that other revisions will come to light as more in-depth analysis and review occurs.
Project Process & Schedule
The code update is expected to take 18-months to complete. The Town and Design Workshop kicked off
the project in February 2024, developing a suite of project management documents to guide the process,
including developing a Community Engagement Plan to guide engagement activities through the project.
Design Workshop is currently in the Code Analysis and Issues Identification portion of the project,
reviewing the existing land use code and identifying opportunities to better align with the 2022
Comprehensive Plan, and improve ease of use and administration.
Figure 1 illustrates the 18-month Development Code update schedule.
Goals for the Development Code Update
During the Strategic Kickoff Process the project team went through a Critical Success Factors exercise with
staff and code users to identify goals and principals for the project and benchmarks by which the success
of the Development Code Update may be determined. The following goals were taken from the Critical
Success Factors exercise and will guide the Development Code update process.
• Provide clear and consistent information about the process and content of proposed updates to the
community, as well as opportunities to engage with the content.
• Ensure the process is broad, incorporating multiple voices reflective of the community at large.
• Consolidate and streamline information within the Development Code for greater usability and clarity.
• Modernize the code, incorporating local-specific data, innovative practices, and integrating
contemporary best practices.
• Ensure compliance with the latest County and State standards, and integrate regulations regarding
new technologies and alternative housing types.
Page 3
• Evaluate existing zoning districts and propose revisions or new districts to promote housing diversity,
affordability, and support existing and desired future land uses.
• Build resilience into standards acknowledging hazards and environmental risks.
• Protect and respect local wildlife by incorporating wildlife-friendly development guidelines.
• Balance structure with flexibility to preserve Estes Park’s ‘messy vitality’ – a blend of diversity, history,
and natural character.
• Use plain language and clear formatting to improve readability and usability of the Development Code.
• Ensure information is logically structured and easily accessible to all code user groups.
Development Code Update Opportunities
In updating the Development Code there are several opportunities to make the code more user friendly,
while modernizing it and creating stronger alignment between previous town planning efforts and state, and
national best practices appropriate to the context of Estes Park. These have been identified through
conversations with staff, code users, Planning Commission, and the Board of Trustees. The following
summarizes these opportunities and why they are important to include in the Development Code update.
Integrate the 2022 Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan
Given the age of the existing Development Code and significant community changes in recent years, there
are ideas, definitions, and policy direction in the Comprehensive Plan that are not incorporated into the
existing code. While select policies from the Comprehensive Plan may be implemented in the Development
Code through one-off amendments, alignment between the two documents on a larger scale is challenging
given the organization of the code today. By revisiting the code’s structure and content, critical elements
from the Comprehensive Plan may be incorporated seamlessly into the Development Code. This
incorporation, either through text references or direct links to the Comprehensive Plan, can help to
communicate the reasoning, or “why”, behind regulations and create the connection between the
Development Code and policy direction from the community codified in the Comprehensive Plan.
Update Terminology & Definitions
Given the age of the Development Code, changes in State and Federal law, planning practices, and
evolution in land uses, terminology and definitions within the development code are outdated and thus
present challenges in interpretation and use. An update to, and the integration of modernized terms and
definitions must be completed. This will include elimination of outdated and irrelevant language, removal of
de facto requirements within definition language, alignment of language with land uses and practices in the
community, and simplification of language. These updates will improve the readability and interpretation of
the Development Code for all code users.
Fix Inconsistent and Redundant Language
Amendments to the Development Code over time have resulted in inconsistent and sometimes redundant
regulations. Through the update process, the project team will eliminate inconsistencies in regulations and
between code sections that make interpretation challenging for code users.
Add New and Updated Graphics
Page 4
The current Development Code relies on graphics to communicate certain standards and illustrate design
regulations to users. Some of these graphics are difficult to interpret or fail to communicate the relevant
standards. For example, while aesthetically pleasing, Figures 7-1 to 7-7 are small-scale and contain
information not directly related to the standards they are meant to illustrate. There are also stylistic
inconsistencies between graphics in different code sections. The project team will review the use of
graphics throughout the code and create new graphics where necessary to illustrate critical elements such
as dimensional relationships, slope standards, building and site planning concepts, and environmental and
wildlife regulations. The new graphics will improve ease of use, simplify the information conveyed to the
user, and focus users on the design and development outcomes in the underlying code language.
Consolidate Dispersed Information and Re-organize for Ease of Use
There are multiple instances in the current Development Code where users must switch between sections
to understand certain regulations. For example, Calculations and Measures regulations are currently
dispersed between sections 1, 5, and 7 of the Development Code. The project team will consolidate
relevant information into singular sections and reorganize chapters of the Development Code to create a
document with logical flow, consolidating and centralizing similar information, and improving ease of use.
Integrate Sustainability, Wildlife, and Wildfire Protection Elements
Given Estes Park’s rural, mountainous setting and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town is
closely integrated to its surrounding natural environment. These factors also increase community
vulnerability to wildfire, flood, and geologic hazards. Therefore, the Development Code must provide
direction and regulation on topics such as wildfire prevention, flood mitigation and management, wildlife
management, and slope development standards. Direction and best practices from the state, region and
comparable communities will be integrated into the updated Development Code to ensure that the Town of
Estes Park continues to be defined by its relationship to the surrounding environment.
Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan Overview
Plan Focus
Estes Forward serves as a strategic, long-range blueprint guiding the evolution of Estes Park and the
greater Estes Valley over the next 10 to 20 years. Designed to adapt with shifting community priorities and
emerging trends, the plan presents a unified vision for the area’s future, outlining practical steps to support
responsible development, land use, conservation, and service delivery. It integrates key priorities such as
land use patterns, sustainable growth, transportation systems, environmental stewardship, economic
resilience, and community wellbeing, into clear goals and policies. Structured around the six Resiliency
Themes of the Colorado Resiliency Framework, Estes Forward promotes a holistic, cross-sector approach
to shaping a vibrant, thriving, and adaptable future for the community that can be integrated into the code.
Community Engagement
The Estes Forward planning process was a collaborative effort involving residents and stakeholders from
both the Town of Estes Park and unincorporated areas of Larimer County, aimed at crafting a shared vision
for the entire Estes Valley. Spanning from April 2021 to the plan’s formal adoption in December 2022, the
process was organized into three key phases: Laying the Groundwork, Charting the Course, and Bringing
the Vision to Life. Two advisory bodies— the Town-appointed Estes Park Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee (CompPAC) and Larimer County’s Estes Valley Planning Advisory Committee (EVPAC) played
central roles in shaping the outreach strategy. The code process will build off the engagement in the
Page 5
Comprehensive Plan process, but additional engagement around specific code solutions will be needed to
ensure the updates reflect what can be implemented and what is supported by stakeholders, the
community, and elected and appointed officials.
Resiliency Themes
The Comprehensive Plan is modeled after the Colorado Resiliency Framework and organized into six
resiliency themes that represent the cross-sector focus areas for implementing specific actions to achieve
the vision of the plan. Appendix 1 identifies the key resiliency themes and specific plan implementation
actions that should be integrated in the Development Code update.
Development Code Update Priority Areas
Through discussions with staff, code users, Planning Commission, and Town Trustees, as well as a review
of directives from the Comprehensive Plan, the team has identified 13 high priority topics to be included in
the Development Code update. The following section identifies relevant changes to be explored within each
topic area.
Development Review Regulations and Process
1. Revise the rezoning application process to align with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. This step will
ensure development decisions reflect updated community goals and land use priorities articulated in
the Comprehensive Plan. Without this alignment, regulatory inconsistencies can create inefficiencies
and delays, and development outcomes may not align with adopted community policy.
2. Streamline review procedures to:
o reduce unnecessary Town Board review of routine applications,
o amend minor development plans, final plats, and subdivision amendments to be reviewed
administratively,
o utilize consent agendas to reduce review times while maintaining transparency.
3. Establish a clearer administrative pathway for "minor" review processes that would improve
predictability and maintain regulatory compliance. This includes clarifying what qualifies as a minor
modification and updating thresholds for staff approvals to eliminate redundant or unnecessary
development review procedures.
4. Incorporate standards relating to expiration, inactive status, and paused applications to ensure that
proposed development aligns with adopted regulations, and pre-applications and applications remain
current.
5. Clarify procedures for easement relocation versus new dedications or vacations (abandonments).
6. Updating condominium review processes based on best practices to reduce confusion for applicants
and staff.
7. Define and place application submittal requirements and signature block templates in an administrative
guide (rather than codified sections) to allow updates to keep pace with changing technical needs
without triggering formal amendments.
8. Improve the review and understanding of development-related agreements (e.g., improvement
agreements) is essential to ensuring consistency and clarity in implementation.
Page 6
Development Plans Criteria
1. Provide clear and consistent criteria for when a development plan is required. This will help maintain
transparency and avoid regulatory loopholes. Piecemeal redevelopment, if left unchecked, can allow
applicants to bypass compliance with newer standards.
2. Introduce a “development plan lite” option with reduced submittal requirements for low-impact or small-
scale projects to ensure proportionality in the review process and make development more accessible.
3. Clarify when residential projects and subdivisions trigger development plan requirements to remove
ambiguity and foster compliance.
4. Develop practical, community-appropriate, performance-based design guidelines to ensure new
development supports both form and function. Overly prescriptive rules may deter viable projects, while
flexible, performance-based standards can guide context-sensitive outcomes.
5. Integrate topography-sensitive design standards, especially in hilly or environmentally constrained
areas, reducing environmental impacts and infrastructure costs.
6. Integrate wildfire mitigation criteria into development review to support long-term safety and resilience
to mitigate future wildfire risk to the greatest extent practicable. This includes requirements for
defensible space, emergency access, and appropriate materials.
7. Ensure requirements for public improvements are appropriate to the scale of development and are
phased with the development. (This also applies to subdivisions)
Wildfire, Flood, and Natural Hazard Prevention
1. Align the code with state-level wildfire mitigation strategies to support community safety related to
wildfire risks. Coordinate with regional entities such as the Estes Valley Fire Protection District to
ensure consistency in implementation.
2. Plan for natural hazards mitigation by integrating due policies and regulations into land use decisions,
particularly related to housing locations and transportation networks.
3. Establish clear, enforceable standards for wildfire mitigation in new and existing development to
promote consistency and accountability. Apply these standards to redevelopment to help reduce long-
term vulnerabilities.
4. Incorporate landscaping best practices to reduce fuel loads, such as those developed by the Estes
Valley Fire Protection District.
5. All code updates should reinforce adopted goals within the Comprehensive Plan, particularly those
emphasizing hazard mitigation through design, infrastructure, and land management.
6. Ensure compliance with floodplain regulations as well as promote awareness of the flash flood risks in
the Development Code.
7. Ensure restrictions are in place for encroachments in the Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Habitat and Corridor Preservation
1. Update and integrate mapping of critical habitat and wildlife corridors into the review process to ensure
informed decision-making. Consider a Natural Resources Protection Overlay to provide additional
review and apply protection standards, where needed, without restricting reasonable use of property.
Page 7
2. Refine design and development standards in wildlife zones such as fencing, lighting, and building
placement to ensure development does not negatively impact environmentally sensitive, terrestrial, and
riparian areas and natural resources. This approach supports property rights by providing clear
performance-based expectations, rather than prohibitions, for how development can minimize its
environmental impact.
Outdoor Lighting
1. Update lighting standards to align with national best practices and minimize light trespass, glare, and
impacts to neighbors with standards capable of being enforced by non-lighting professionals.
2. Require submittal of detailed lighting plans as part of development applications to facilitate review.
(This includes new developments, redevelopment plans involving exterior modifications to lighting.)
3. Integrate Darksky principles into the code without mandating formal certification, balancing
environmental quality and development feasibility.
Housing
1. Align zoning and development standards with the Comprehensive Plan housing goals. This includes
supporting a broader mix of housing types that meet diverse income levels and household sizes.
2. Explore range of options to address housing affordability in the Town. (This includes considering a
Community Housing Overlay.)
3. Encourage infill and clustered development to efficiently increase housing supply without significant
infrastructure expansion. These strategies also support walkable neighborhoods and environmental
sustainability.
4. Clarify the regulatory distinction between “workforce housing” and “affordable housing” to align the
Development Code with local and state housing programs.
5. Permit expanded use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), duplexes, cottage courts, and tiny homes to
support the range of housing options allowed under the code.
6. Streamline processes to help reduce barriers to entry for homeowners and support small-scale and
affordable housing developers seeking to bring affordable and workforce housing to the market.
7. Update definitions of townhomes and middle housing, and clarify applicable standards and lot size
requirements to avoid misclassification and enable context-sensitive housing types.
8. Codify new incentives such as density bonuses and Planned Unit Development (PUDs) and update
existing incentives to promote affordable housing, provided that public benefits are clearly defined and
aligned with community goals.
9. Amend the Planning Unit Development (PUD) eligibility regulations to include affordable and workforce
housing and co-located service and educational uses in the R, R-1, R-2, RM and all non-residential
zone districts.
10. Consider updates to the A and A-1 zone district standards to support the conversion of existing
accommodation uses to affordable and workforce housing. This should include adding dormitory and
similar residential use types as permitted uses in targeted zone districts.
Page 8
11. Evaluate and update the Town’s housing-related code provisions, in light of Proposition 123, ensuring
legal compliance and helping the Town remain eligible for state-supported programs tied to housing
production and review timelines.
Zone Alignment with Future Land Use Map
1. Create consistency between the zoning districts and the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map
to reduce confusion and guide development decisions effectively.
2. Consider areas in the Town for a mixed-use zone district, to implement the Mixed-Use Centers &
Corridors future land use. Also, consider amendments to PUD regulations to allow for mixed-use
development.
3. Update the zoning code to include land uses and building forms not previously considered, to allow the
Town to respond to new housing trends and mixed-use development needs.
4. Consider adding a Community Housing Overlay zone to the code to support Comp Plan Housing
element policy implementation without overhauling the base zoning framework. Consider adding
qualification criteria for the Overlay that meets environmental requirements.
5. Develop and integrate review procedures into the code that balance the need for transparency and
community input with community housing policies and Prop. 123 requirements for streamlined
processes for affordable housing projects.
6. Consider adding review criteria for Future Land Use Map Amendments.
Permitted Uses, Definitions, and Standards
1. Review permitted uses stemming from the period when the Town and County operated under a joint
land use code.
2. Consider allowing mixed-use zones and artisanal manufacturing in commercial zone districts, and other
areas in the Town.
3. Modernize use tables and definitions to include evolving uses such as home occupations, remote work,
vacation rentals, mobile businesses, and EV charging stations, to ensure the code is responsive and
forward-looking. Ensure the mix of uses allowed downtown are implementing the vision of the
Downtown Plan.
4. Establish regulatory standards for newer land use types, including natural medicine facilities, flex
storage, battery storage systems, yurts, domes, glamping accommodations, and employee housing
models. This should also include a review of accommodation, tiny homes and tiny houses, and
dormitory housing.
5. Update permitting standards and timelines for temporary uses like special events and food that reflect
Estes Park’s seasonal demand. Standards for wedding venues, both permanent and event-based,
should address life-safety, sanitation, and parking.
6. Consider aligning ADU regulations with state law (and building code) while maintaining a streamlined
process to avoid unnecessary barriers for property owners.
Page 9
Non-conforming Criteria
Given that nearly 60% of lots in Estes Park are non-confirming, revisit non-conforming use and lot
standards to streamline site specific improvements and redevelopment without requiring variance reviews
for such projects.
1. Amend existing zone district standards to allow for flexibility in site-specific requirements to reduce non-
conforming lots in the Town. This will permit by-right small-scale improvements while not undermining
the intent or character of zone districts.
Bulking, Massing, and Design Requirements
1. Balance increased residential density with appropriate massing, height, and setbacks to support
housing growth without sacrificing neighborhood character or hazard mitigation.
2. Through commercial and residential design guidelines, codify clear expectations for how development
transitions in scale and form relative to adjacent properties to ensure compatibility and predictability.
3. Adopt design guidelines to preserve Estes Park’s architectural diversity by focusing on key
characteristics like rooflines, material variety, and orientation, rather than enforcing one specific
architectural style.
4. Eliminate ambiguities in height calculations, townhome definitions, and lot standards for middle housing
to improve code administration and ensure fair, consistent application of development regulations.
5. Streamline the Location and Extent review process to align with state statutes to ensure clarity for
public facility siting and expansion.
Parking and Transportation
1. Amend residential parking standards to reflect actual demand, balance concerns about spillover, and
avoid requiring excessive paved area.
2. Right-size parking to reduce impervious surfaces, support appropriate residential and commercial
densities, and support more sustainable, character-affirming development.
3. Align parking regulations and short-term rental rules.
4. Hard surface requirements should be evaluated to ensure functionality, durability, and environmental
performance without overburdening property owners.
5. Consider adding design standards (includes aspects like location, landscaping, lighting, access, etc) to
improve the aesthetics of parking lots.
6. Hard surface requirements should be evaluated to ensure functionality, durability, and environmental
performance without overburdening property owners.
7. Consider the potential for a Transportation Impact Fee framework, to more equitably distribute the cost
of new transportation infrastructure, such as traffic signals, roundabouts, or turn lanes.
Public Notice and Outreach
1. Update public notice and engagement requirements to ensure residents have meaningful opportunities
to participate in development conversations, such as providing notices with additional information,
expanding the radius for mailed notice requirements in large-lot zone districts to capture neighboring
properties, or updating posting requirements to show a site plan or rendering.
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2. Ensure neighborhood meetings promote dialogue and transparency by codifying clear procedures and
expectations for format, content, engagement, and noticing. Evaluate whether to continue the current
applicant-driven process or move to staff-driven process.
3. Consider updates to the process for scheduling public hearings. Public hearing schedules should
reflect review readiness, allowing hearings only when technical analysis is complete. This ensures
informed decision-making and prevents premature or repetitive hearings.
4. Discuss opportunity to review regional neighbors for best-in-class public outreach processes/programs
related to land use and development.
Code Consolidation & Navigation
1. The current structure of the development code lacks a clear and logical flow, with related content
dispersed across multiple chapters and detailed provisions appearing early in sections without
sufficient context. This disorganization makes the code difficult to navigate and interpret for both staff
and applicants.
2. Consolidate information under targeted, clearly organized headers to improve usability and reduce
redundancy. Group similar content such as procedures, definitions, permitted use tables, and
development standards into a logical sequence to help users locate relevant information more
efficiently and improve consistency across code sections.
3. Reformat existing tables to make them more accessible and easier to reference. Enhancing clarity in
tables will reduce confusion when comparing standards or verifying use permissions.
4. Incorporate more graphical content, such as diagrams and illustrations, to support clearer
understanding of key regulations. Utilize more visual aids for rules related to massing, height, setbacks,
lot coverage, and limits of disturbance to improve comprehension and reduce interpretation errors.
Code Update Suggestions by Section
During the scope writing process, it was determined that the Development Code update would not entail a
complete rewriting of the code, but rather strategic updates to select sections of the code and a
comprehensive reorganization to enhance flow and usability.
In this portion of the code analysis, each individual section is summarized with a focus on opportunities to
update content and consolidate similar topics. The proposed reorganization will be completed as part of the
updated code outline that will be provided as a future deliverable. The identified priority areas above will
also be included in the following updates of the code.
Chapter 1: General Provisions
This chapter encompasses general provisions pertinent to the code, detailing its purpose and intent. It
references the official zoning map and establishes the requirements for construction and interpretation of
the code. Additionally, it outlines minimum standards for compliance with land use, as well as its
relationship with other regulations and ordinances. The chapter includes rules regarding measurements,
liabilities, and transitional provisions.
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General Recommendations
• Rename the chapter ‘General provisions of the code’ and include content on procedures.
1.2 – Authority and Jurisdiction
• Add specific citations referencing applicable state statutes to ensure clarity, legal compliance,
and consistency.
• Can be housed under- ‘legal permissions’ section of the development code.
1.3 – Purpose and Intent
• Explicitly align this section with goals and objectives established in the Comprehensive Plan to
enhance policy coherence and reinforce implementation.
1.9 – Calculations and Measurements (New consolidated subsection)
• Consolidate measurement standards and calculation methods currently found across Sections 1,
5, and 7 into a single, unified subsection for clarity and ease of reference.
• Include definitions of measurements and relevant rules clearly within this subsection.
• Integrate setback tables (e.g., Table 4-5) into this subsection to logically associate them with
related measurement standards. Address features allowed within building setbacks.
• Clarify exemptions from building height regulations to explicitly include sustainability-focused
rooftop elements such as solar panels, mechanical equipment, and other similar sustainable
assemblies. Provide specific administrative review authority and thresholds for dimensional
variances related to these elements.
• Consider setback relief for sustainable features that might encroach into setbacks.
• Revise building height measurement standards to measure only to the primary structural
component (e.g., roof deck) rather than the top of solar panels or other rooftop equipment.
• Incorporate references to relevant industry manufacturing standards and clearly state allowable
tolerances (e.g., up to 6 inches).
• Ensure calculations of net land area supports Natural Resource Protection regulations (see
below) to not include mapped riparian areas, wildlife corridors, and other environmentally
sensitive areas.
• Evaluate provisions regarding elevations served by water service and allowed density (blue line).
1.13 – [Remove Section]
• Delete this section entirely as it is redundant or no longer relevant to current code structure or
administration.
General Legal Provisions
• Conduct a comprehensive review and update of legal provisions throughout Section 1 to reflect
current state statutory requirements accurately and clearly.
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Chapter 2: Code Administration and Review Roles
This chapter describes the relevant administrative bodies and their roles in the implementation of the
development code.
General Recommendations for Sections 2 and 3
• Evaluate opportunities to merge Sections 2 and 3 into a single, consolidated " Procedures and
Administration " or "Common Development Review Procedures” chapter for improved
consistency and efficiency.
• Recognize the current effectiveness of existing tables; however, seek opportunities for further
simplification, consistency, and reduced reliance on table notes to clarify the administrative
review processes.
2.1 – Review and Decision-making Authority
• Simplify and streamline Table 2-1 to enhance readability and usability:
• Review and consolidate table notes, minimizing redundancy and clearly incorporating
essential notes into the main body of the text.
• Address overlap in Table 2-1 and Table under 3.2 G.
• Define what constitutes as a minor modification and minor amendment through evaluation of
thresholds and requirements.
• Specifically, adjust Note 4 (Minor Modifications) to increase the threshold for administrative staff
review. Include authority for staff to grant exceptions to minor nonconformities, especially related
to lot and dimensional standards (coordinated update required in Section 3.7).
• Retain the Planning Commission/Town Board as the final reviewing body on minor amendments.
Chapter 3: Review Procedures and Standards
This chapter outlines various procedures related to land use, including standard development review, code
amendments, variances, special review uses, and conditional use permits. While it briefly addresses
planned unit developments and subdivisions, these topics are explored in greater detail in subsequent
chapters. Additionally, this chapter provides general rules and guidelines to help navigate all the mentioned
procedures effectively.
3.1 – General Provisions
• Clearly define minor vs. major modifications within the Planned Unit Development (PUD)
standards. Include explicit criteria in this section to distinguish between minor, major, and
administrative modifications.
• Establish a clear chart or summary table specifying required review processes for administrative,
minor, and major modifications, outlining exactly what must be submitted and when.
• Evaluate updating of time frames (see 3.1.D).
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3.2 – Common Development Review Procedures (Consolidated New Section combining Sections 2 and 3)
• Consolidate Sections 2 and 3 into a single chapter titled "Procedures and Administration" or
"Standard Development Review Procedures," focusing exclusively on administrative processes,
roles, responsibilities, and procedural requirements.
• Relocate specific review standards currently mixed within procedural language to the appropriate
individual sections (e.g., subdivision, PUD, zoning) for clearer organization.
• Include clear descriptions and references to common procedural elements, such as:
- Powers and duties of the Town Board (TB), Planning Commission (PC), and Community
Development Director.
- Provisions and criteria for appointing an administrative hearing officer, if desired.
- Requirements for neighborhood meetings.
• Evaluate time frames (see 3.2.C)
• Clearly identify eligible applicants within this consolidated section (3.3.A):
- Property owner
- Owner's representative
- Private-party initiated applications (retain explicitly)
- Clearly reference applicable state vesting statutes here for clarity.
3.3.G – Application Summary Table
• Remove the requirement for completeness reviews from the summary table to simplify the
presentation of review processes. Retain completeness review as an administrative function and
step in the process.
• Update procedural flowcharts to eliminate outdated references (e.g., remove references to Estes
Valley PC) and clearly incorporate realistic review timeframes.
3.5 – Administrative Approval for Non-Conforming Lots
• Strengthen language to explicitly empower staff to approve existing uses administratively on
historically created, non-conforming lots, clearly providing a procedural remedy without requiring
higher-level variances.
3.7 – Modifications and Practical Difficulties
• Revise 3.7.A.2 to explicitly include dimensional standards and clarify the administrative pathway
staff can use to address non-conforming lot issues efficiently.
• Clarify the criteria in 3.7.A.3 used for determining "practical difficulties," distinguishing clearly
from the higher-threshold variance criteria, ensuring staff discretion aligns appropriately with the
intended administrative approval processes.
3.13 Public Facility/Use Location and Extent Review—this is one of the most challenging to
interpret code sections. Needs review and updating.
3.14 – Separate Lot Determinations – need to review and update this section.
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3.17- Consider adding a section for Accessory Dwelling Units. Although a very minor review
process, it would be beneficial to have some standards and process. Might be better to keep
under 5.2.
General Style and Specificity Improvements
• Adopt a clear, consistent style guide to standardize terminology, formatting, and procedural
language across this chapter.
• Throughout Section 3, enhance specificity and clarity of language to minimize ambiguity and
improve ease of application.
• Remove all outdated references throughout the code to the joint County-Town planning
framework.
Chapter 4: Zoning Districts
This chapter provides detailed descriptions of the various zoning districts in the town, including their
specific characteristics and regulations. It discusses the compliance of these districts with district standards
and addresses the presence of special purpose districts and overlay districts within the town.
4.1 –Zone District Structure
• Consider restructuring each zone district section to consistently include:
o Intent Statement
o Permitted and Conditional Uses
o Dimensional Standards, with zone-specific graphics
• Consider consolidating zone districts into a streamlined format for better readability and usability.
4.2 – Use Tables
• Consolidate permitted and conditional uses across all districts into a comprehensive Master Use
Table for ease of reference and consistency.
• Move existing standalone tables (e.g., Table 4-7) into appropriate sections where they logically
align (such as "Measurements and Dimensional Standards" in Section 1 or relevant sections in
the newly consolidated format).
4.3 – Zone District Review and Consolidation
• Conduct a thorough comparison of all existing zone districts against the Comprehensive Plan,
identifying:
o Opportunities for consolidation or adjustment of permitted/conditional uses.
o Potential to rename or reclassify districts to better reflect current land-use goals.
o Consider adding a Community Housing Overlay Zone to the list of districts. Evaluate
qualification criteria for the Overlay.
o Add mixed use district zone.
o Evaluate footnotes, if significant, make a standard provision so it’s in plain sight
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o Add best practices from comparable communities for open space requirement mentioned in
Table 4-3.
4.4 – References and Terminology
• Remove all outdated or unnecessary references currently embedded in this section to simplify
and clarify the zoning code.
• Clearly link use categories back to the interpretation guidelines within the code, ensuring
consistency and clarity in defining and applying permitted and conditional uses.
Chapter 5: Use Regulations
This chapter outlines regulations for specific uses within the town, including accessory uses, temporary
uses, and outdoor vending.
General Recommendations
• Reorganize Section 5 alphabetically for clearer navigation and improved usability.
• Update the use regulations to be more relevant to the types of uses in place today, with clear
language about interpretation of uses (likely in Chapter 1 with the general administrative
information).
• Confirm with staff which existing use regulations are essential and functioning effectively:
- Retain necessary provisions, consolidating similar or overlapping uses for simplicity.
- Once staff direction is provided, thoroughly review each subsection line-by-line to identify
opportunities for further consolidation or elimination of redundant content.
• Move "Parks" regulations into a more appropriate use category or dedicated section for improved
clarity.
• Unlisted accessory uses, those that do not meet the criteria, are prohibited unless otherwise
indicated. Add more clarifying language on what constitutes an accessory use in Estes Park and
with some flexibility to consider. Explore the option for an administrative development process for
the same.
• For ADUs, consider waiving lot size requirement for integrated (basement) ADUs. Consider
alternative to CUP for undersized lots (staff-level review).
Chapter 6: Non-conforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
This chapter focuses on regulations for non-conforming uses, structures, and lots. It outlines their purpose,
applicability, permitted uses on non-conforming lots, and the process for changing a non-conforming use.
General Recommendations
• Prioritize incremental revisions rather than comprehensive rewrites, focusing on targeted
improvements to enhance flexibility and administrative efficiency.
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• Consider more flexibility for some contexts (e.g. existing duplex cannot build small addition
because it’s considered an expansion of non-conforming use in single family zone).
• Clarify provisions related to expansion of a nonconforming use – guidance on what can/cannot
be allowed would be helpful
• Consider provision for small lots zoned E1 not meeting side setbacks – consider potential
solution in nonconforming section or Chapter 4.
6.3.C.2 – Alteration and Expansion of Nonconforming Structures
• Amend existing language to introduce clear dimensional thresholds, enabling administrative staff
to approve practical modifications (e.g., garage additions) without requiring higher-level reviews
or variances.
• Increase the threshold for expansion threshold from 10% to 20% of existing floor area to permit
more by-right improvement to non-conforming lots and structures.
6.3.C.2 (Nonconforming Parking Conditions)
• Completely remove the current provision addressing nonconforming parking conditions within
this section.
• Integrate all parking-related requirements directly into the designated Parking Regulations
section to centralize parking standards and simplify navigation.
6.8.A – Compliance Threshold
• Reduce the existing compliance threshold to provide greater flexibility for property owners
managing nonconforming situations.
- Clearly define circumstances under which an off-ramp option/fee-in-lieu option may be
provided as an alternative path to achieve compliance. (E.g.- In aspen, 10% of lot area for non-
development space titled as pedestrian amenity- has a fee-in-lieu option if cannot be fulfilled.)
Chapter 7: General Development Standards
This chapter addresses development standards across various aspects of the town, including
environmental considerations such as slope protection, grading, tree and vegetation management,
wetlands, and stream corridors. It also covers disaster mitigation strategies, including wildfire and wildlife
protection. Additional standards for exterior lighting, parking, public facilities, and landscaping are included
for reference.
General Recommendations
• Consolidate Sections 7.6 through 7.9 into a single unified "Natural Resource Protection" section,
integrating standards related to streams, wetlands, wildlife, and other environmental factors.
• Include lighting standards in the consolidated Natural Resource Protection section, particularly
emphasizing wildlife impacts.
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• Integrate wildlife, wildfire, riparian, wetland, and related natural resource maps into the code to
ensure site specific development proposals support Natural Resource Protection policies and
regulations. Ensure such regulations are easily identifiable in the code to ensure they are not
overlooked.
7.1 – Slope Protection Standards
• Increase density reduction for development on slopes.
• Create design standards for retaining walls (design, materials, landscaping, height). For
example, limiting over a certain height that front onto arterial streets.
• Conduct massing studies or scenario modeling to evaluate if existing standards yield intended
development outcomes.
• Reference net lot area calculations standards for natural resource protection areas.
7.2 – Grading and Site Disturbance Standards
• Update diagrams for clarity and communication of standards.
• Create clearer standards for ridgeline development, such as setbacks from top of slope,
prohibition of development that pierces a ridgeline, and the requirement of vegetative screening.
7.3 – Tree and Vegetation Protection
• Clarify and evaluate tree protection standards (7.3). E.g. past planning commissioners have
interpreted this section to mean every significant tree removed as part of a Development Plan
needs to be replaced by 2 or 3 new trees. This is impossible on forested sites and counters to
wildfire mitigation best practices.
• Merge this section with 7.5 – Landscaping into a single, comprehensive "Tree Protection and
Landscaping" section:
- Clearly link vegetation removal standards to fire mitigation and creation of
defensible space.
- Define planning staff as the primary decision-making authority for reviewing and
approving vegetation management plans, in consultation with the fire district.
- Integrate approved plant list from the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.
7.4 – Public Trails and Open Spaces
• Clearly establish criteria and conditions for allowing "fee-in-lieu" of dedicated open space or
trails:
▪ Allow off-site contributions for trails or sidewalks when on-site conditions prevent
connection to an existing trail or sidewalk.
▪ Evaluate fee in-lieu for construction of trails/sidewalks “to nowhere.” Allow developers
to build a trail in some off-site location in-lieu of building a trail to nowhere on their site.
(Maybe)
▪ Enhance design criteria for open spaces to ensure quality, functionality, and usability.
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▪ Evaluate alignment of designated open space zones with the Future Land Use Map to
better plan open spaces and trails comprehensively.
7.6 – Stream, Wetland, and Riparian Protection (to be included in consolidated Natural Resource
Protection)
• Refer federal standards for compliance.
• Clarify standards for establishing buffers and setbacks:
- Require applicants to identify either the high-water mark or top-of-slope, applying the more
restrictive measurement.
7.7 – Geologic and Wildfire Hazard Areas (included in Natural Resource Protection)
• Review grading, benching, and slope standards:
o Consider grouping natural hazard provisions (e.g., wildfire, flood, slope stability) for clarity
and consistency.
o Provide clear illustrative maps or visual examples demonstrating development standards in
hazard areas.
• Create direct connection to CWPP Wildfire Risk Map.
• Include wildfire related setback requirements in individual zone district standards.
• Do not require wildfire mitigation plans to be prepared by a forester.
7.8 – Wildlife Habitat Protection
• Include requirements for wildlife fencing in new developments throughout the Town.
• Set standards for minimum setback requirements from key habitat areas and protection of native
vegetation during and after development.
7.9 – Exterior Lighting
• Consider the assignment of lighting zone designations so that appropriate light levels can be
referenced for commercial and retail areas versus residential or wilderness.
• Add a clause to the Applicability section forcing compliance when existing non-conforming lights
are identified to be a hazard.
• Set threshold for redevelopment to bring existing non-conforming lights into conformance
• Set standards for minimum setback requirements from key habitat areas.
• Exempt exterior lighting already approved by laws from a broader authority (e.g., FAA or OSHA),
and prohibit exterior lighting that interferes with safety.
• While Estes Park has a few requirements for shielding, trespass, flag illumination, and pole
heights, more information should be listed about the correlated color temperature (CCT) of lamp
sources and curfew hours. Additionally, to meet more current criteria, especially for the regional
area, the light trespass and glare emission values should be lowered.
• Requirements should be added for sports lighting permitted after dark.
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7.10 – Operational Standards
• Relocate relevant portions (noise, vibration, etc.) into the "Use Regulations" section.
• Integrate best practices and enforcement methods for noise standards.
• 7.11 Parking, Loading, and Stacking Recommendations
• The current Code language requires non-residential parking to be located on the side or rear of
the property and includes landscape buffer requirements. Additional setbacks and site location
changes may be considered to strengthen these requirements. Prioritize solid wall screening of
parking facilities, loading zones and stacking/drive-through lanes from public streets and rights of
way.
• The current Code only stipulates the total number of on-site bicycle racks required in reference to
the total number of on-site vehicle parking spaces. There are aspects of this Code requirement
that can be strengthened to align with the Comprehensive Plan goal including:
o Introducing bicycle rack design and spacing dimension standards to enhance ease of use
o Increasing the number of required bicycle racks per vehicle parking space and/or tying the
bicycle rack requirement to gross square footage and/or dwelling unit
o Requiring the bicycle racks be within 50 feet of the building primary entrance
o Introducing a long-term bicycle parking design standard that would be located within a
building
o Exploring a shower and personal locker requirement for certain use types and size
thresholds
• Clearly state that electric vehicle charging parking spaces count towards the minimum on-site
parking requirements to ensure parking is not overbuilt in locations where electric vehicle
charging demand is high.
• Instituting an in-lieu fee program for developments to pay a fee in lieu of providing the required
minimum on-site parking for areas with a RM Multi-Family zoning classification. In considering
an in-lieu fee parking program, the Code should include provisions for the maximum percentage
of required parking that can be paid with a fee in-lieu and also provide a provision for periodic
annual review of the fee amount to mirror parking construction costs. The fee in-lieu should be
commensurate with the actual cost of building parking and be used for shared public parking
opportunities along main transportation corridors.
• Consider the use of valet parking as a parking management tool to operationally enhance the
use of off-site and shared parking resources. Valet parking allows for the efficient use of off-site
and non-proximate parking and allows the parking lot to be used more efficiently through tandem
and stacked parking.
• To meet affordable housing goals, the Town may explore reductions to the Residential Uses
minimum parking requirements, specifically the multi-family dwelling minimum parking
requirements. The Town may also allow new development to opt out of some minimum parking
requirements through an in-lieu fee program.
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• Evaluate provisions addressing the maximum number of parked cars, trailers, and other vehicles
in residential areas. Add regulations prohibiting non-residential vehicles in residential areas.
• Add clarification regarding counting public parking spaces as part of the required parking
provided
7.12 – Stormwater Management
• Require stormwater management plans as part of the development plan.
• Include standards for waiving off stormwater detention requirements (proximity to river etc).
• Clearly defer stormwater standards and management primarily to Larimer County regulations,
allowing specific local exceptions as needed.
• Schedule detailed discussions with key stakeholders overseeing subsections, including
sanitation, water, and transportation.
• Evaluate regulations for new land uses to intercept and properly dispose of sediment and
pollutants on their private property rather than direct discharge into the rivers and streams.
• Consider requirements to regulate impervious areas created by new development is likely to
increase the volume and/or rate of stormwater release to downstream properties that can be
evaluated during the land use application review process.
7.13 – Screening and Mechanical Equipment
• Move standards addressing mechanical equipment visibility into the "Calculations and
Measurements" section.
• Develop distinct standards for screening mechanical equipment for single-family versus multi-
family developments / non-residential developments. Standards should ensure all roof and
ground-mounted equipment, storage and loading areas, and trash services/structures are
adequately screened with solid fencing and walls and designed to integrate with the site,
including painted to match primary buildings.
• Ensure items required for screening are clearly defined and include a miscellaneous category
(e.g. meter packs, SES, exposed downspouts) for items that may not be routinely addressed.
• Assess current enforceability and practical application of existing standards (e.g., 7.13.B.4) and
revise for clarity and ease of enforcement.
7.15 – Recreational Vehicle (RV) and Campground Standards
• Consider establishing RV and campground standards within their own zoning district or in the
Land Use regulations rather than general development standards.
• Clearly define provisions that protect existing residential neighborhoods from conversion impacts
due to RV or campground developments.
• Explicitly reference applicable state laws governing RV and campground standards,
incorporating protections beyond state minimum requirements.
• Expand on different types of campgrounds to address current trends: glamping, yurts, primitive
camping, camper cabins (no plumbing), etc.
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Chapter 8: Signs
This chapter outlines regulations around signage and its compliance with the town and county sign codes.
General Recommendations
• Consult with staff to determine whether it is a priority to fully integrate the Sign Code into the
Development Code or to maintain it as a standalone document based on functionality and ease
of use.
• Update standards for neon, LED, and other illuminated signage to reflect current best practices
and emerging technologies.
• Ensure signage regulations support dark sky principles by minimizing light pollution, glare, and
excessive illumination.
• Provide greater flexibility for government and public signage to allow for necessary
communication while maintaining overall aesthetic standards.
• Add more standards for pole signs.
Chapter 9: Planned Unit Development
This chapter outlines the regulations for planned unit developments, including their purpose, eligibility
criteria, and specific development standards that must be adhered to.
General Recommendations
• Amend the eligibility standards to include workforce and affordable housing and co-located service
and educational uses in R, R-1, RM, A, and A-1 zones.
• Consider incorporating PUD as a zone into the Zone District Chapter 4, with the procedures for
designation, recission, and amendments in Chapter 1 or 2.
• Consider the option to require an Outline Development Plan (ODP) or similar in lieu of a full
development plan, especially if the project is to be phased. Also require a phasing plan, if
applicable.
Chapter 10: Subdivision Standards
This chapter outlines the regulations specifically pertaining to subdivisions, detailing their purpose,
applicability, review procedures, and design standards. Generally, this section should remain its own
chapter, but with streamlined language that reflects the updates to general procedures and zone districts.
General Recommendations
• Consider adding a Statement of Intent as a pre-application requirement.
• Sort out the requirements for different types of subdivisions instead of just prelim and final plats:
Minor Adjustments (particularly Amended Plats), Minor Subdivisions.
• Expand on definitions of condominiums to distinguish between condos and townhomes.
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Chapter 11: Incentives and Development Provisions in the CD Zoning District
The purpose of this chapter is to provide incentives for specific land uses and site plans that surpass the
minimum requirements of this code, aiming to achieve high-priority planning goals such as preserving open
space and natural features, as well as developing attainable housing.
General Recommendations
• Clarify with staff the intended future role and content of Chapter 11:
• Evaluate necessity of continuing specific development incentives or if this chapter should be
streamlined, reorganized, or removed altogether.
11.3 – Open Space Developments
• Allow open space in more zoning districts to increase applicability.
• Reduce the 10-acre minimum lot size to enable broader use.
• Adjust open space requirements to ensure the density bonus provides a meaningful incentive.
Allow as an option for environmentally sensitive areas, mitigating impacts to wildlife, river and
wetlands, high fire risk areas, etc.
• Explore opportunities for incentivizing the density bonus for developers and other stakeholders.
• Ensure private open space requirements are appropriate.
11.4 – Housing Provisions
• Clearly indicate that attainable workforce housing incentives may not apply within the CD zoning
district.
• Review and refine housing-related definitions to ensure clarity, consistency, and practical
application throughout the code.
11.6 & 11.7 – Rural Land Use and Transferable Development Rights (TDR)
• Determine appropriate placement and integration for rural land-use provisions and Transferable
Development Rights (TDR).
• Identify if TDR and rural land-use standards should be placed within Chapter 11, integrated
elsewhere, or established as standalone sections.
Design Guidelines
• Explore opportunities for a comprehensive set of design guidelines that look towards preserving
the historical assets and character of the Town, instead of historic preservation.
• Consider potential inclusion of historic preservation provisions under the design guidelines
section.
• Define criteria for applicability of design guidelines to redevelopment plans.
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• Ensure design guidelines address all non-residential and multi-family developments in the Town.
• Develop commercial design guidelines for the CD district, specifically addressing:
- Building orientation, parking design, and site layout
- Massing, scale, and compatibility standards
- Access, circulation, and connectivity criteria
- Lighting standards (including impacts on neighboring properties, wildlife protection, and
nighttime character)
- Signage and architectural design standards
- Building materials – ensure quality construction and aesthetic, limit use of metal
buildings to industrial.
Chapter 12: Enforcement and Penalties
This chapter addresses the regulations regarding enforcement procedures for the code, including violations
and remedies. It also defines the responsibilities and powers related to enforcement.
General Recommendations
• Consolidate the requirements of this chapter with the administrative items in Chapters 1 and 2.
Chapter 13: Definitions
This chapter contains all definitions for reference as outlined in the code.
General Recommendations
• Update definitions according to the revised code.
• Remove redundant definitions and consolidate wherever possible.
• Consolidate all definitions within this chapter, avoiding detailed definitions in previous chapters.
• Clearly delineate between specific terms and definitions and “use categories” using NFPA
standard use types to support administration of the code and adapt to future changes in uses
found in the community.
• Ensure definitions do not include standards, calculations, and methodologies that should be
located elsewhere in the code.
Chapter 14: Wireless Communication Facilities
This chapter outlines regulations specific to wireless communication facilities, covering their intent,
purpose, requirements, operational and design standards, as well as review procedures.
General Recommendations
• Generally, this section appears to reflect state and federal requirements. This section will be
reviewed as the drafting for other chapters underway to ensure alignment with changes
proposed in those sections.
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Appendix 1: Comprehensive Plan Direction
Natural Environment: Estes Park’s natural beauty, wildlife, and watersheds are central to the community’s
identity, economy, and quality of life. As climate change intensifies, these ecosystems face growing threats
from rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased wildfire and flood risks. Protecting and
adapting these natural systems is essential to the Valley’s long-term resilience and sustainability.
• Goal 1: Maintain Estes Valley’s scenic character and viewsheds into and within the Valley and Rocky
Mountain National Park.
o NE 1.2 & 1.3: Any new development minimizes the impact on the visual quality within the
Valley, and blends in.
o NE 1.B: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones
o NE 1.A: Maintain and strengthen current code requirements for dark skies.
• Goal 2: Ensure the provision and preservation of diverse and accessible open spaces throughout the
Valley while allowing for contextual development in the right locations.
o NE 2.2: Protect healthy watersheds by minimizing development impacts within riparian areas,
wetlands, and floodplains.
o NE 2.4: Encourage cluster residential development to protect wildlife habitat and movement.
o NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of Development Rights program.
o NE 2.D: Explore potential development code updates, such as parks dedication and fee in lieu
requirements.
• Goal 3: Protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity and ecosystems.
o NE 3.4: Limit development in wildlife conservation priority areas as identified in the Estes
Valley Open Space Plan.
o NE 3.A: Consider an Environmentally Sensitive Lands Zoning Overlay that would be subject to
additional design review.
o NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat Assessment and Development Code, including map
of wildlife corridors and sensitive habitat.
• Goal 4: Recognize that wildfire is a growing risk to the community and proactively work to protect the
lives, property, and resiliency of the Valley.
o NE 4.D: Review potential mitigation requirements in the Development Code to align with
recommendations of Community Planning Assistance for Wildfires (CPAW).
o NE 4.E: Evaluate site design standards and landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning and pruning of materials.
• Goal 5: Mitigate flood risk through multifunctional infrastructure and recreation improvements.
o NE 5.1: Strengthen development regulations to keep property and people out of high flood risk
areas and ensure space for natural flooding to occur, including increasing setbacks and base
flood elevation freeboard for buildings.
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o NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance maps.
Built Environment: This element of the plan focuses on enhancing quality of life, preserving local identity,
ensuring balanced land use, and aligning infrastructure and services with community needs, in coordination
with the Future Land Use Plan.
• Goal 1: Maximize public investment and the efficient delivery of public services by strategically directing
growth toward areas of existing infrastructure, while recognizing necessary housing solutions will
require creative strategies with Environmental Justice as a foundational principle.
o BE 1.A: Audit and amend the Development Code (DC) to reduce barriers to incremental and
small-scale commercial redevelopment in order to maximize infill and redevelopment of sites.
o BE 1.B: Consider strategies for incentivizing infill and redevelopment of existing buildings.
o BE 1.C: Explore potential impact fees for new development to offset the costs of increased
demand for public services such as water, sewer, stormwater management, recreation, social
services, and public safety.
• Goal 2: Promote protection of the environment by ensuring that development is in harmony with its
setting and provides equal and meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision-making process to
achieve a healthy environment.
o BE 2.A: Audit the Preferred Planting List to prioritize native, fire-resistant, climate adaptive, and
pollinator species.
o BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new development to protect existing native vegetation,
except as required for wildfire protection.
o BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading requirements and limitations on steep slope and ridgeline
development that maintain natural slopes and viewsheds.
• Goal 3: Encourage a balanced mix of uses that meets the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and
visitors.
o BE 3.A: Amend the Town’s Development Code for consistency with the Estes Forward Future
Land Use Framework and Map, including zoning regulations.
o BE 3.D: Continue implementation of the Estes Park Downtown Plan by integrating the
recommendations for each Character Area into land use policy and the Development Code.
o BE 3.F: Incentivize workforce housing development through strategies such as streamlined
permitting, reduced application and tap fees, density bonuses, and building height bonuses.
o BE 3.H: Consider design standards for commercial development in downtown, highway
corridors, and gateways to Estes Park. Consideration should be given to design guidelines that
enhance historic preservation and that do not preclude or restrict beneficial and high-quality
attainable housing projects.
• Goal 4: Respond to the impacts of climate change through adaptation and mitigation techniques in the
built environment.
Page 26
o BE 4.B: Utilize the Land Development Code and Building Code to incentivize or require
performance standards for energy-efficient residential and non-residential construction as
recommended in the 2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report.
o BE 4.C: Amend the Town Development and Building codes to incentivize or require new
residential developments to construct homes and buildings with electric vehicle-ready conduit
and wiring for at-home charging.
• Goal 5: Coordinate and integrate land use and transportation objectives.
o BE 5.3: Support conveniently located neighborhood-serving small-scale commercial centers
that provide desired service to local neighborhood workers and visitors, reduce automobile
dependency, and contribute positively to the surrounding neighborhoods.
• Goal 6: Promote the continued evolution of Estes Park’s job-generating commercial land uses to
support existing and future businesses.
o BE 6.1: Support the adaptive reuse, renovation, or redevelopment of aging centers or
commercial uses that are no longer viable due to changing market conditions, demographics,
or retail trends into areas that support mixed use opportunities.
Economy: Tourism and outdoor recreation form the backbone of the Estes Valley’s economy, with Estes
Park serving as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. This element focuses on building a more
resilient, year-round economy that supports local services, enhances quality of life, and can better weather
future challenges.
• Goal 2: Cultivate a strong, stable, and diverse local economy.
o E 2.C: Maintain flexible development standards to accommodate a wide range of commercial
space needs and facilitate the adaptive reuse of older properties.
Housing: The Housing element aims to expand housing options for all residents, from seasonal workers to
retirees, by addressing current gaps and supporting diverse, attainable housing opportunities.
• Goal 1: Ensure new housing meets the needs of the workforce and families.
o H 1.I: Explore development code requirements that support multigenerational neighborhoods
and aging in place.
• Goal 2: Create new housing opportunities.
o H 2.B: Explore removing density limits in commercial zones.
o H 2.C: Explore allowing large single-family homes to be converted into multiple units.
o H 2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm and other “missing middle” housing types.
o H 2.E: Explore density increases tied to the creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small-lot
subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional height).
o H 2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing requirement for residential development.
o H 2.J: Identify and remove regulations that create unintended barriers to housing development.
Page 27
Health and Social: This element focuses on ensuring access to essential services, promoting equity, and
supporting community health and well-being for all who live, work, and visit the Valley.
• Goal 2: Support behavioral and physical health.
o HS 2.B: Increase park dedication in development standards and/or use of local sales tax to
acquire and build new parks.
Transportation and Infrastructure: As a popular mountain town and gateway to Rocky Mountain National
Park, Estes Park faces unique infrastructure challenges in meeting the needs of both residents and visitors.
This element focuses on developing a comprehensive, multimodal transportation network and
strengthening infrastructure to be sustainable, adaptable, and equitable for all users, now and into the
future.
• Goal 2: Provide and maintain an expanding, safe, and comprehensive network to support walking and
bicycling as viable modes of transportation for all ages and abilities, for recreational use, and to
promote community health.
o T 2.B: Require bicycle and pedestrian facilities and amenities in new developments.
o T 2.E: Review municipal street improvement standards to see if there are ways to decrease
high stress walking and bicycling environments and increase walking enjoyment and safety,
particularly with regard to increased sidewalk width, landscape buffers between sidewalks,
streets and pedestrian lighting, and other amenities.
• Goal 5: Build a transportation system that is a recognized model of resiliency and economic,
environmental, and social sustainability.
o T 5.A: Develop guidelines for the inclusion of green infrastructure in the design of
transportation improvements.
o T 5.E: Develop requirements for new commercial and multifamily residential development to
provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure to align with new legislation requiring updated
energy guidelines.
• Goal 6: Identify strategies and funding sources to invest in transportation infrastructure.
o T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements based on its impacts.
o T 6.G: Evaluate the development of impact fees to provide revenues to be used to construct
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that will support new development.
• Goal 8: Invest in infrastructure for a healthy water supply and promote water conservation measures.
o I 2.C: Prepare a Water Master Plan and evaluate its Land Use Code to advance water
conservation.
Development Code
Update Status
Report & Priority
Area Discussion
August 12, 2025
Attachment 2
Today’s Agenda
Project Update
Code Update Priority Areas
Next Steps
1
2
3
Project Update
Development Code Update- Project Schedule
We are here!
Development Code Update- Community Engagement
•Community Open House
−Project information sharing
and feedback on topical
code areas.
−First open house conducted
on June 25.
−Additional open house
planned for September
•Online Questionnaire
-Open July 15 to Through
September 26 (Available in
English and Spanish).
-Focus on topical code
areas.
75~
PARTICIPANTS
140~
RESPONSES
(To date)
Development Code Update- Community Engagement
•Community Conversations
−Community dialogue sessions in June
and July.
−Large group deliberations are planned in
late summer.
•Project Website & Social Media
−Website updated monthly.
−Embedded online questionnaires and
pulse surveys throughout the project.
−Social media posts and newsletters to
spread awareness about the process.
70~
PARTICIPANTS
Development Code Update- Community Engagement
•Small Group Focus Groups
−Small topical focus groups July and August.
o Natural Environment
o Housing
o Economy, Health and Social
Considerations
o Built Environment, Transportation,
Infrastructure
•Technical Advisory Committee and Planning
Commission Discussion
−Periodic discussions throughout process with
TAC and Planning Commission to gain
technical feedback.
40~
PARTICIPANTS
Development Code Update- Community Engagement
•Pop-up Engagement Activities
−Pop-up engagement activities
at strategic locations
throughout town during
August and September.
−Aim to meet residents where
they are, to gather feedback
on the code update.
•Attendance at Community
Events
−Attendance at community
events to share information
about the code update and
gather feedback.
Code Update Priority
Areas
•Zone District Alignment
with the Future Land Use
Map
•Permitted Uses,
Definitions, and
Standards
•Mixed Use Zoning
•Non-conforming Use
Criteria
•Bulk, Massing, and Design
Requirements
Code Update Priority Areas
Process Related Areas Topical Areas
•Development Review
Regulations and Process
•Development Plan Criteria
•Public Notice and Outreach
•Code Consolidation and
Navigation
•Housing
•Wildlife Habitat and Corridor
Preservation
•Outdoor Lighting
•Wildfire, Flood, and Natural
Hazard Prevention
•Transportation and Parking
•Signage
Land Uses / Dimensions
•Zone District Alignment
with the Future Land Use
Map
•Permitted Uses,
Definitions, and Standards
•Mixed Use Zoning
•Non-conforming Use
Criteria
•Bulk, Massing, and Design
Requirements
Code Update Priority Areas – Tonight’s Discussion Focus
Process Related Areas Topical Areas
•Development Review
Regulations and Process
•Development Plan Criteria
•Public Notice and Outreach
•Code Consolidation and
Navigation
•Housing
•Wildlife Habitat and Corridor
Preservation
•Outdoor Lighting
•Wildfire, Flood, and Natural
Hazard Prevention
•Transportation and Parking
•Signage
Land Uses / Dimensions
Discussion Topic 1:
Development
Review Regulations
and Process
•Code Amendments
•Preliminary and Final Subdivision
•Preliminary and Final Plan
•Development Plan Review
•Use Classification
•Separate Lot Determinations
•Special Review Uses
•Minor Subdivision
•Location and Extent Review
•Conditional Use Permit
•Annexations
Development Review Regulations and Process
Current Process
•Step 1: Pre-Application
Conference
•Step 2: Neighborhood and
Community Meeting
•Step 3: Application/Completeness
Certification
•Step 4: Staff Review and Report
•Step 5: Estes Valley Planning
Commission Action or
Recommendation
•Step 6: Board of Trustees Review
and Action
Development Review Regulations and Process
Proposed Process
•Step 1: Pre-Application
Conference
•Step 2: Application/Completeness
Certification
•Step 3: Staff Review and Report
•Step 4: Estes Valley Planning
Commission Action or
Recommendation (Optional)
•Final Subdivision Amendments
•Final Plan Amendments
•Minor Development Plan Review
•Minor Subdivision
Q. Do you support changing the Development
Review Process for certain items from a Board of
Trustees review to an administrative review?
Discussion Topic 2:
HOUSING
Housing-Comprehensive Plan Goals
Comprehensive Plan Goals and Strategies:
•BE 3.4: The Town supports and integrates housing goals, policies, and actions into land use policy and the
Land Development Code as needed to provide a variety of affordable, multigenerational housing
opportunities.
•H 1.5: The Town and County encourage designs for multigenerational living, aging in place, and safe
seasonal housing.
•H 2.1: The Town and County locate new housing opportunities consistent with the Future Land Use Map.
•H 2.2: The Town allows infill and redevelopment that provides more housing with a focus on increasing
workforce and affordable options for all income levels.
•H 2.C: Explore allowing large single-family homes to be converted into multiple units.
•H 2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm, and other “missing middle” housing types.
•H 2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage requirement/fee for residential and commercial development.
Housing- Potential Code Updates
•Housing Typologies
•Aligning zoning and development regulations to
support a wider range of housing types. (BE 3.4, H 2.1,
H 2.2, H 2.D)
•Promoting infill and clustered development. (H 2.2)
•Exploring the expansion of permitted housing types
such as ADUs and cottage courts. (H 1.5)
•Supporting small-scale and affordable housing
development. (H 2.1)
Housing Typologies
Existing Housing Typologies in Estes Park
Single-family homes Multi-family Apartments Workforce Housing
Comp Plan Policies: H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.C, H 2.D
Housing Typologies
Potential Additional Housing Typologies in Estes Park
Comp Plan Policies: H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.C, H 2.D
Q. What types of housing are missing in Estes Park that
would align with the housing goals specified in the
Comprehensive Plan?
Housing- Community Housing Overlay
•Overlay zoning supplements
base zoning districts.
•The Overlay adds specific
requirements or incentives
related to community housing.
•This can include density
bonuses, reduced parking
requirements, height
requirements, or mandatory
inclusionary zoning.
Development Overlay District, Montrose CO
Comp Plan Policies: H 2.1, H 2.2,
Q. Do you support exploring a Community Housing
Overlay as a tool to implement housing policies?
Lodging Conversion to Housing
•There is an opportunity to repurpose select
lodging properties into housing.
•Potential code updates include allowing the
conversion of motels, hotels, and seasonal
lodging into residential housing in targeted zone
districts.
•Expanding allowed use types for these
conversions, such as dormitories, co-living units,
and group housing.
•Example: Summit County, CO has invested in
the conversion of the Alpine Inn (26 rooms) and
the Silverthorne Days Inn (75 rooms).
Days Inn, Summit County
Comp Plan Policies: H 2.1, H 2.2
Q. Do you support the idea of converting existing
lodging and accommodation options into housing,
taking into account the context and feasibility of such
conversions?
Discussion Topic 3:
WILDLIFE AND
HABITAT
PROTECTION
Wildlife & Habitat Protection- Comprehensive Plan Goals
Comprehensive Plan Goals and Strategies:
•NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.
•NE 2.2: The Town and County protect healthy watersheds by minimizing development impacts within
riparian areas, wetlands, and floodplains.
•NE 3.A: Consider an Environmentally Sensitive Lands Zoning Overlay that would be subject to
additional design review.
•NE 3.1: The Town protects existing native wildlife habitat and vegetation communities by minimizing
disturbance outside of the building envelope and limiting fragmentation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
•NE 3.2: The Town and County encourage the conservation and protection of connected wildlife
habitats and movement corridors.
•NE 3.4: The Town and County limit development in wildlife conservation priority areas as identified in
the Estes Valley Open Space Plan.
Wildlife & Habitat Protection- Potential Code Updates
•Update and integrate mapping of
critical habitat and wildlife
corridors into the review
process.
•Consider a Natural Resources
Protection Overlay to provide
additional review and apply
natural resource protection
standards.
•Refine design and development
standards in wildlife zones—
such as fencing, lighting, and
building placement
Natural resources map- Estes Park
Comp Plan Policies: NE 1.C, NE 2.2,
NE 3.1, NE 3.2, NE 3.4
Wildlife & Habitat Protection- Natural Resource Protection Overlay
Wildlife Habitat Protection Overlay-
Benton County, Oregon
•The overlay is intended to protect critical
resources by managing where and how
development can occur, addressing:
•Wildlife habitats and migration corridors
•Wetlands and riparian zones
•Steep slopes
•Native vegetation
•Specific regulations may address:
•Fence height and material to allow wildlife
movement,
•Restrictions on building placement to
avoid habitat disruption,
•Grading and drainage controls to protect
water quality, and
•Minimum buffer zones from natural
features.
Comp Plan Policies: NE 1.C, NE 2.2, NE 3.A
Q. Do you support the creation of a Natural
Resources Protection Overlay Zone with
development standards to guide development in
environmentally sensitive areas?
Q. Are there other natural resource protection
strategies or tools you would like to explore as
part of the code update?
Discussion Topic 4:
WILDFIRE
MITIGATION
Wildfire Mitigation-Comprehensive Plan Goals
Comprehensive Plan Goals and Strategies:
•NE 4.1: The Town and County maintain building
code standards to require fire-hardened and
resistant materials in new development and
substantial improvements.
•NE 4.D: Review potential mitigation
requirements in the Development Code to align
with recommendations of Community
Planning Assistance for Wildfires (CPAW).
•NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community
Wildfire Protection Plan.
•NE 4.A: Consider adopting a fire mitigation
program in partnership with the Fire District to
encourage individual property owners to reduce
fuels on their property and select landscaping
choices and building materials for fire
resistance.
Wildfire risk map- Estes Park
Wildfire Mitigation- Potential Code Updates
•Align the code with state-level wildfire mitigation
strategies and coordinate with regional entities to ensure
consistency in implementation.
•Plan for natural hazards by integrating into land use
decisions, particularly related to housing location and
transportation networks.
•Establish clear, enforceable standards for wildfire
mitigation in new and existing development and apply
these standards to redevelopment to help reduce long-
term vulnerabilities.
•Incorporate landscaping best practices to reduce fuel
loads, such as those developed by the Estes Valley Fire
District.
Comp Plan Policies: NE 4.1, NE 4.D, NE 4.F, NE 4.A
Q. Should wildfire mitigation regulations be applied to both new
developments and existing properties?
If so, do you support the introduction of review criteria or
thresholds to determine the level of wildfire mitigation required
for different development activities?
Discussion Topic 5:
DESIGN
GUIDELINES
Design Requirements- Comp Plan Goals
Comprehensive Plan Goal:
•NE 1.1: The Town and County encourage the protection and enhancement of key
community gateway views.
•NE 2.B: Further identify appropriate locations in Downtown and in Mixed Use
Centers and Corridors for increased height allowances within context of existing
development.
•BE 3.3: The Town invests in physical improvements to the built environment and
placemaking in Downtown commercial areas to facilitate high quality
redevelopment, pedestrian movement, public art, and areas for relaxing, gathering,
and shopping.
•BE 3.H: Consider design standards for commercial development in downtown,
highway corridors, and gateways to Estes Park. Consideration should be given to
design guidelines that enhance historic preservation and that do not preclude or
restrict beneficial and high-quality attainable housing projects.
Design Requirements- Potential Code Updates
•Codify clear expectations for development
transitions in scale and form relative to adjacent
properties to ensure compatibility and predictability.
•Adopt design guidelines for commercial and multi-
family development to preserve Estes Park’s
architectural diversity without prescribing a specific
architectural style. Examples include:
•Roof lines,
•Material variety, and
•Building orientation
•Clarify definitions and standards, including
•height calculations,
•townhome definitions, and
•lot standards for missing middle housing
Comp Plan Policies: NE 1.1, NE 1.3, NE 2.B, BE 3.3, BE 3.H
Q. Do you support requiring design guidelines for
commercial buildings and multi-family developments to
ensure high quality and enduring design without
prescribing a specific architectural style?
Discussion Topic 6:
SIGNAGE
Signage- Potential Code Updates
•Consult with staff to determine whether to
integrate the Sign Code into the
Development Code or to maintain it as a
standalone document.
•Update standards for neon, LED, and other
illuminated signage to reflect current best
practices and emerging technologies.
•Ensure signage regulations support dark
sky principles by minimizing light
pollution, glare, and excessive
illumination.
•Provide greater flexibility for government
and public signage to allow for necessary
communication while maintaining overall
aesthetic standards.
•Add more standards for pole signs.
Q. Do you support integrating Sign Code into the
Development Code from the Municipal Code?
Q. Do you support signage standards regarding sign
sizes, illumination, and materials to reinforce existing,
historic community character?
Discussion Topic 7:
NON-CONFORMING
USES
Non-conforming Uses
•Many lots in Estes Park are non-conforming, due
to the town-wide rezoning in 2000.
•Currently, any change of a non-conforming lot
leads to additional costs and delays incurred by
the landowner.
Potential Code Updates-
•Revisit non-conforming use and lot standards to
streamline site-specific improvements without
requiring variance reviews for such projects.
•Amend existing zone district standards to allow
for greater variation in site-specific conditions.
This will permit by-right small-scale improvements
while not undermining the intent or character of
zone districts.
Q. Do you support allowing small, site-specific
improvements on non-conforming lots by right if
they meet clear criteria?
Discussion Topic 8:
PARKING
Parking- Potential Code Updates & Comp Plan Goals
Comprehensive Plan Goal: Encourage a balanced mix of uses that
meets the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
•BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large parking lots by
requiring new development and redevelopment to locate parking
at the rear or side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-enhancing features
that improve walkability.
Parking- Potential Code Updates & Comp Plan Goals
•Amend residential parking standards to reflect actual demand,
balance concerns about spillover, and avoid requiring excessive
paved areas.
•Right-size parking to reduce impervious surfaces, support
appropriate residential and commercial densities, and support more
sustainable development.
•Align parking regulations and short-term rental rules.
•Evaluate hard surface requirements to ensure functionality,
durability, and environmental performance without overburdening
property owners.
Comp Plan Policies: BE 3.K
Q. In selected areas of town, do you support
allowing a fee-in-lieu option to reduce required
on-site parking?
If yes, what areas in Town would be appropriate?
Q. Do you support reduced parking requirements*
for affordable or workforce housing?
*Alternative to reduced parking requirements may include
1.Shared parking with adjacent parcels
2.Requiring pedestrian and bicycle connections to the existing pedestrian/bike
network
3.On-site bicycle parking
4.Dedicated rideshare/ bikeshare locations
5.Requiring a permanent transit stop connecting to the existing transit system
Discussion Topic 9:
MIXED-USE ZONING
Mixed-use Zoning
Comprehensive Plan Goal: Encourage a balanced mix of uses that
meets the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
•BE 3.I: The Town and County implement the Future Land Use Categories
to allow a variety of compatible land uses with higher intensity and
density uses concentrated within the Estes Park town limits.
•BE 3.C: Encourage the provision of workforce-serving amenities in
non-residential areas, such as parks and plazas, outdoor seating
areas, fitness facilities, daycare centers, and bicycle storage.
•BE 5.3: The Town supports conveniently located neighborhood-
serving small-scale commercial centers that provide desired
service to local neighborhood workers and visitors, reduce automobile
dependency, and contribute positively to the surrounding
neighborhoods.
•H 1.K: Explore childcare, community gardens, and other livability
investments that support denser family living while also protecting
people and structures from wildfire risks.
Mixed-use Zoning- Potential Code Updates
•Consider areas in the Town for a mixed-use zone district,
to implement the Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors future
land use.
•Consider amendments to PUD regulations to allow for
mixed-use development.
•Update the zoning code to include land uses and building
forms not previously considered, to allow the Town to
respond to new housing trends and mixed-use
development needs.
Vertical Mixed-Use Example
Horizontal Mixed-Use Example
Comp Plan Policies: BE 3.I, BE 5.3, H 2.C, H 2.D
Q. In support of the Comprehensive Plan,
what should a mixed-use zoning district
look like in Estes Park?
Next Steps
Next Steps
•Community Pop-up Events &
Open House (August/September)
•Community Conversations
Deliberations (October)
•Organize Code
Recommendations and Code
Outline (Fall 2025)
•Online Questionnaire & Project
Website Updates (Ongoing)
Thank you!
1
Community Conversa�ons Dev Code update report 8.6.25
Town of Estes Park Development Code Update
Community Conversa�ons Public Engagement Component
May – August Ac�vi�es update
8.6.25
Where are we in our process?
Phase 1
In May and June, we researched and read, designed a dialogue process, iden�fied and trained
facilitators and note takers, and leveraged a large network of people in town to convene
stakeholders, especially those who are difficult to hear from in public mee�ngs.
In July we completed 5 stakeholder group dialogues to discover the important issues that
people in the community have related to the development code update. We also learned what
the values are that people hold around these topics. (See the chart of par�cipants below.)
For the stakeholder
dialogues, we focused on
two broad topic areas:
Housing: A general dialogue
about housing in Estes Park
and a more specific dialogue
about housing for workers.
The Character of the Town of
Estes Park: A general
dialogue about the look and
feel of Estes Park in the past
and going forward, and a
deeper dive into the
comprehensive plan and
possible redevelopment and
infill.
Facilita�on guides for the dialogues are available if interested.
Stakeholder
dialogues
Jul-25
Community
Stakeholder group
# small
groups
#
participants
Homeowners 7.8 3 21
Housing challenged 7.1 2 7
Business leaders 7.16 3 17
Spanish language 7.17 3 15
Other (mixed all of
3 14
Totals 14 74
Attachment 3
2
Community Conversa�ons Dev Code update report 8.6.25
We are currently in the first arrow on the le� in the diagram.
Looking Ahead
August and September
• The data and informa�on from the dialogues will be ready later in August.
• We are collec�ng data needed to brief par�cipants before the delibera�ons. The data will be
formulated in a briefing document specifically focused on the current situa�on in housing in
Estes Park.
• We are designing delibera�ons, planning logis�cs and ge�ng the word out to people who
would like to par�cipate.
Phase 2
October: There will be two large, community wide public delibera�ons the first two weeks of
October. These will include many small groups of people who represent different perspec�ves.
Each small group will have a trained facilitator and note taker. The groups will look together at
issues related to the development code, such as workforce housing, in order to seek common
ground, themes, crea�ve ideas, and ways to move forward.
November: Data analysis and repor�ng will take place in October and November. The report
will be available for the community development department and Design Workshop in
November.
The purpose is to have community input available for the code update team as they create the
first 50% dra� of the updated code.
! ½┬☻► ô ☻╫ ≥╫┬₣ă██
Deliberations
●Housing
●Town
character
●…
Perspectives /
values
Output to
inform
Code draft
Deliberation
on Code draft
Key themes,
common
ground,
ideas
Output to
inform
final draft
Key themes,
common
ground,
ideasDialogues
●Housing
●Town
character
Output to
inform
deliberation
design
The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing equitable access to our services. Contact us
if you need any assistance accessing material at 970-577-4777 or townclerk@estes.org.
Future Study Session Items
August 26, 2025
• Childcare Licensing Regulations & License-exempt Providers
• Climate Action Plan Check-In
• Semi-Annual Compliance Review with Board Governing Policies – Policy 1.10
Self-Monitoring of the Board
September 9, 2025
• Business Feedback on Use of Golf Carts on Trails
• Visit Estes Park Intergovernmental Agreement with Larimer County
• Wildlife Protection Ordinance Provisions for Commercial Businesses
September 23, 2025
• Policy 208 Naming of Town Owned Parks, Open Spaces, and Facilities
Revisions
October 14, 2025
• Town Focus Groups
October 28, 2025
• Overnight Parking
• Post Office Operational Perspective
Items Approved - Unscheduled
• Police Department Facility Financing
• Commercial Loading Permit Post-Season Assessment
• Liquor License Process
Items for Town Board Consideration
• None